You look like some exotic Russian Tzar who has time travelled to NYC via Africa. It's a wonderful coat, wonderful look and it suits you very well. I would love to see a shot of the coat closed. Did you put buttons or a closure on it? The neckline is very intriguing to me that's why I'd like to see another shot. Is that doable? Is that greedy of me?I think it would also look great on your identical cousin when she wears a long, slinky bias-cut evening gown!Barbara

Barbara, I've held off on closures. Buttons just don't seem right for such a cape-like garment. I bought a big (BIG) horn toggle and I may add that to the top, but I'm waiting a bit. I think of it as a big sweater coat and if that means just wrapping it closed, I'm OK with that for now.

I thought I would hate it, I usually find leopard prints very tacky. But I'm really blown away by the result, it's a show-stopper for the right reasons. It's like Japan meets Russia meets Africa and you seriously look like a relative of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia on your pictures. Fantastic job!!

Okay, I'll eat my words about giving that fabric away. Has Bill Cunningham snapped your pic in that yet? Don't let Cathy see it because she'll be wearing out of the house with a big belt and turban; very 60s Biki of Milan.

Your coat turned out great! As for closures, I'd think there should be a way to add buttons to the inside of the front overlap, and then button loops to the under-layer. They would not be visible, and could be removed with no damage if it doesn't work out.

Oh, I love this idea. I could make button loops and either 1) secure them to just the front facing (which hasn't been stitched down yet, though I've added reinforcements to the points where I thought I'd add buttonholes and buttons) or 2) I could add a long vertical strip of melton to the right side of the facing, with the loops caught underneath.

a boy, a dream, and 10+ sewing machines

I'm a native New Yorker and sewing fanatic! I started sewing in 2009 and today make all my own clothes using vintage sewing machines and vintage patterns, in addition to sewing for private clients. Welcome to the warm and whimsical world of Male Pattern Boldness, where the conversation is sewing, style, fashion, fabric, and more!